Ultimately, updating Predator2 offers owners of Native Instruments’ KOMPLETE KONTROL S-Series keyboards and MASCHINE 2 hardware hands-on control of the soft synth from the get-go, thanks to its newly-implemented NKS® compatibility. Clearly, getting going has never been easier as almost all Predator2 parameters can be speedily and comfortably controlled with the tweak of a neat Native Instruments knob.

Namesake company Managing Director Rob Papen has helpfully hosted a dedicated YouTube video (https://youtu.be/8zsTIMvyeQs) showing which NI knob has been pre-mapped to which Predator2 parameter... workflow will literally never feel the same again — all the more so since navigating using Native Instruments’ innovative hardware browser brings up Predator2 presets, so no need to risk RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury) by pointing and clicking using a mouse (or trackpad). That said, picture-perfect presets are a Rob Papen speciality, so Predator2 comes complete with over 5,000 exciting entries covering almost any musical style imaginable. Is it any wonder, then, that Predator2 is the go-to soft synth for so many music-makers!

But back onscreen there are also a notable number of improvements to Predator2 in its latest update — not least giving the GUI (Graphical User Interface) itself a lighter-coloured background that is easier on the eye, easing Predator2’s use. Users familiar with the soft synth will already appreciate the many ways to select Predator2 presets, yet Rob Papen is always open to making further refinements, as evidenced by the new ‘star’ feature within the bank MANAGER, making it even easier to find favourite presets. Predator2’s latest update also allows copying presets to a FAVORITES folder for sharing. Sharing such improvements is central to the Rob Papen ethos, evidenced by another helpful YouTube video for the benefit of all. After all, a picture paints a thousand words. Why not a video?

Fortunately for existing owners of Predator2, downloading this update for free could not be simpler — simply logging into their Rob Papen account and visiting their My Products webpage will display the latest version below their product registration. Really it is a no-brainer... feel the benefit of Native Instruments’ innovative hardware living in perfect harmony with Rob Papen’s latest newly-NKS®-compatible soft synth while putting those other improvements into action. Ask Rob Papen himself!

Predator2 can be purchased in a boxed edition — as an AAX (32-/64-bit), AU (32-/64-bit), VST (32-/64-bit) compatible audio software plug-in for Mac OS X (10.6 or higher) and Windows (Vista, 7, 8, and 10) — from authorised Rob Papen dealers worldwide or as a download directly from Rob Papen for €149.00 EUR/$149.00 USD from here: http://www.robpapen.com/predator2-buy.html(Predator purchasers are eligible to upgrade to Predator2 for €49.00 EUR/$49.00 USD.) Note that eXplorer4, the latest incarnation of Rob Papen’s all-encompassing software bundle, includes Predator2, upping the total product count to 15; competitively priced at €499.00 EUR/$499.00 USD, this represents a significant saving of over 50% when compared to separately purchasing each and every Rob Papen virtual instrument and effects plug-in included! For more in-depth info, please visit the dedicated Predator2 product webpage here: http://www.robpapen.com/Predator2.html

Self-confessed synth freak and world-renowned sound designer Rob Papen started working with synthesizers at the tender age of 15 when purchasing an analogue Korg MS-20 semi-modular monosynth and accompanying analogue SQ-10 sequencer. Suitably inspired, he subsequently released several albums as part of Dutch electronic music groups Peru and Nova — the latter featuring the same members as Peru, but with a more commercial slant — with whom he enjoyed number one hit singles in The Netherlands (Nova) in 1982 and Austria (Peru) in 1988. Peru disbanded in 1993, by which time Rob had already established himself as a sought-after sound designer, creating presets for the likes of Waldorf, Access, Ensoniq, and E-mu, before going on to found his namesake company in pursuit of creating a sound designer’s dream synth.That software dream soon became reality when Rob formed the RPCX (Rob Papen ConcreteFX) partnership with music software developer Jon Ayres to develop new Rob Papen virtual instruments and effects plug-ins, starting with BLUE — an exciting- sounding, self-styled ‘Crossfusion Synthesis’ affair (combining FM, Phase Distortion,Wave Shaping, and Subtractive synthesis into one powerful dream synth) — in 2005.Today Rob Papen soundware defines cutting-edge contemporary music production: powerful virtual instruments and plug-ins that intermix innovative design, uncompromising sound quality, and musical, production-grade presets to make tracks truly shine, whatever the musical genre... Inspiration Soundware, indeed!